Fungal meningitis cases in N.J. rise to 33

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention laboratory scientist studies the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with suspected fungal meningitis.EPA/CDC

TRENTON — New Jersey health officials say 33 cases of fungal meningitis have now been reported in the state.

The cases, two confirmed and 31 considered probable, are linked to a recalled, potentially tainted steroid produced by a specialty pharmacy in Massachusetts. Nationally, officials say 490 cases have been reported in 19 states, including 34 deaths.

State health officials say no one in New Jersey has died from the illness. Twelve patients remain hospitalized, and all of those sickened continue to recover.

Two more cases were recently announced by state health officials. They include a 63-year-old Pennsylvania woman and a 53-year-old Cumberland County woman.